In an emergency, natural disaster, or public health incident, volunteers with the right training are invaluable. Volunteers are needed all across Idaho. Whether or not you have medical training, you can become an everyday hero by registering with the Medical Reserve Corps in your area. Volunteer training is free.
Emergencies give rise to thousands of everyday heroes. You can be one of them. Join the Medical Reserve Corps by registering at: www.volunteeridaho.org.
What is the Medical Reserve Corps?
Formed in 2002, the Medical Reserve Corps is a nationwide program comprised of private citizens, medical and public health professionals who sign up to serve as community volunteers during natural disasters, emergencies, and public health incidents.
Why was the MRC created?
In an emergency, the immediate deployment of emergency medical personnel is critical. However, such events can quickly overwhelm hospitals and health systems with individuals urgently in need of care. In addition, it is often difficult in the midst of a disaster to locate qualified volunteers and coordinate large volunteer efforts. The MRC was created to engage volunteers to strengthen public health preparedness, emergency response, and community resilience.
What do MRC volunteers do?
Local MRC volunteers provide a variety of services to their communities during an emergency situation including handing out supplies, signing people into shelters, or giving needed information. Medically trained MRC volunteers can also administer immunizations, provide health education, and offer medical support. All MRC volunteers may also assist in ongoing public health efforts, such as helping out at health fairs, during non-emergencies.
Who can join the MRC?
While doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are a core part of the Medical Reserve Corps, the MRC does not limit membership to those in the medical community. Individuals without medical training can fill essential supporting roles.
Simply put, any citizen with an interest in helping keep their community prepared for an emergency is qualified to be in the MRC.
What do I need to do if there is an emergency?
In the event of a disaster, you will receive an alert requesting volunteers. You will then have the chance to accept or decline the volunteer request. There is no obligation to participate in an activation.